General News
7 May, 2025
Community walks to 'Shine The Light'
Around 150 Horsham residents joined a powerful candlelight vigil walk organised by the Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence (WCAFV) on Sunday evening, May 4, to stand in solidarity against family violence.
Led by WCAFV Vice-chair Shane Podolski, the event marked the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, intending to honour victim-survivors while raising awareness across the community.
The walk commenced at 6pm from the Ward Street gravel area and concluded at the Horsham Soundshell, where a short ceremony was held.
“The march went really well, and the weather couldn’t be any better,” Mr Podolski said.
“There were about 150 people there.
“Unfortunately, the topic is not the best.”
According to the latest Crime Statistics Agency data, Horsham recorded 698 family violence incidents in 2023-2024, while Northern Grampians recorded 366, Southern Grampians 362, Hindmarsh 99, West Wimmera 64 and Yarriambiack 124.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross and Horsham Arts Council representatives were also part of the march.
“The mayor, Horsham Art Council and Simone O’Brien, who is a massive advocate of the cause, were there,” Mr Podolski said.
“Ms O’Brien is an Australia-wide advocate, as she worked with all the AFL teams.”
Mr Podolski said the march was important to raise awareness regarding domestic family violence.
“I think it’s really important,” he said.
“It’s great that people will ask questions when they see the photos and videos of it.
“Hopefully, more people will attend and be educated over the years.
‘If we able to educate more people, then hopefully one day we’ll stop it forever.”
The evening also marked the official launch of the annual ‘Shine The Light’ campaign.
When asked about the message for the community, Mr Podolski said, “If you see it, call it out, and if you don’t want to get involved, just ring triple zero (000).”
Victoria-wide figures rose to 98,816 in 2024 — an increase of more than 5,700 incidents from the previous year.
WCAFV hopes that ongoing public events like this will continue to break the silence and foster change through education, awareness, and support.
